Space Intensity Interferometry

Experimental setup for validating intensity interferometry algorithms

Telescope and electronics mounted on the DSSL nanosats to test intensity interferometry concept

New version of the telescope mounted on the PUCK satellite model

This research combines two main topics. The first is Stellar Intensity Interferometry (SII), and the second is dynamic autonomous multi-agent robotics. The combination of these two seemingly different realms of science may pave the way for launching the first Autonomous Stellar Intensity Interferometer (ASII) into space.

SII was developed in order to solve the problem of measuring the angular size of extremely small bright stars. SII was invented by Robert Hanbury Brown and Richard Twiss, who implemented it in 1956. The SII was operated inNarrabri,Australia, until 1972. The technique has never been used since then. In this research, we aim to develop technologies that will ultimately enable space-borne SII.